Do you need to switch off lens image stabilization before removing a Canon lens?
Asked 2/17/2011
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A camera repair instructor told me it is very important to turn off the Image Stabilization (IS) switch on a lens before removing it from the camera, because switching IS off supposedly locks parts in place and prevents damage. I use a Canon 20D with Canon EF lenses, but I couldn’t find clear documentation about this. Is there any truth to this, and does it apply to Canon IS lenses in normal use?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
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the only time the IS elements are "moving" is during the focus process (when you have your finger on the shutter button and a couple seconds after) otherwise everything is locked in place. If this weren't true then moving the lens and camera with IS turned on would have the potential to damage the elements of the lens and that would defeat the purpose of the IS in the first place.
Your instructor is wrong.
[Edit] from the EF 100-400 F4.5-56L IS USM manual (page E-9):
The image stabilizer continues to operate after you release the shutter button, as long as the metering timer displays the exposure value. Never remove the lens while the image stabilizer is operating, or you could damage the lens.
Originally by user3675. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user3675
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Usually, no—you do not need to flip the IS switch to OFF every time before removing the lens. On Canon EF IS lenses, the stabilizer is only active while powered, typically during half-press/shooting and briefly afterward. Once power is gone, the electromagnets no longer drive the stabilizing group.
However, you should not remove the lens while the stabilizer is still actively running. Canon documentation for at least some IS lenses states that the image stabilizer continues operating for a short time after shutter release, and removing the lens during that period could cause damage.
Also, some lens designs leave the IS group free to move when not locked, so rough handling or shipping with the lens unsupported can be a separate concern. That’s different from normal lens changes.
Practical advice: wait a moment after releasing the shutter so IS has fully stopped, then remove the lens normally. You don’t need to make switching the IS button off part of every lens change, but don’t detach the lens while IS is actively operating.
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